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Circular Motion & Centripetal Force
AP Physics 1 · Unit 3 Circular Motion
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Learning Objectives
Calculate centripetal acceleration: a_c = v²/r
Apply Newton's 2nd law: F_c = mv²/r
Understand velocity is tangent, acceleration points inward
Relate period, frequency, and angular speed
Key Equations
a_c = v²/r = ω²r
F_c = mv²/r
v = 2πr/T = ωr
T = 2π/ω
Tags
circular motion
centripetal
tangential velocity
period
AP Physics 1
v
0 m/s
F_c
0 N
a_c
0 m/s²
Speed v (m/s)
3.0
Radius r (m)
1.0
Mass m (kg)
1.0
Derived Values
a_c
9.0
F_c
9.0
Period T
2.09s
ω
3.0
Display
Velocity
Acceleration
Force
Trail
Quick Quiz
If speed doubles but radius stays the same, what happens to centripetal acceleration?
Doubles
Quadruples
Stays the same
Halves